Sony Alpha A7R Detailed Review

See all images of the Sony Alpha A7R

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In additional Alpha A7R was introduced by Sony in October 2013. It belongs to the Mirrorless Cameras category.

Sony is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Sony.

Brand Sony
Category Mirrorless
Date 10/2013
Sensor Properties

The Alpha A7R has a Full frame CMOS sensor with size of 36 x 24 mm² (1.41″ x 0.94″).

Picture of Alpha A7R’s sensor compared to popular format.

Infographic: Alpha A7R comparing sensor sizes

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The Alpha A7R’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 36 megapixel. The resolution is far above average and will easily be sufficient for years to come. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed in A2 size or larger, even if unwanted parts of the photo have to be cropped.

The Sony supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Sony’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The Alpha A7R features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.

Format Full frame
Sensor area 35.80 x 23.90mm²
(1.41″ x 0.94″)
Type CMOS
Resolution (physical) 36.80 megapixel
Resolution (effective) 36.40 megapixel
Pixel size 22.10 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous 4 frames/second
Lens
Interchangeable lens
Mount Sony E Mount
Viewfinder Properties

The Alpha A7R uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use.

The magnifcation is c. 0.71x, an above average value for an electronic viewfinder.

Type Elektronic
Coverage 100%
Magnification 0.71x
Resolution 2.36 megapixel
Dioptric correction
Shutter

The Alpha A7R’s shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 30s.

Max. shutter speed 1/8000s
Min. shutter speed 30s
Sensitivity Properties

The Alpha A7R’s sensitivity goes from 50 ISO und 25600 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

Automatic
Min. sensitivity 50 ISO
Max. sensitivity 25600 ISO
Exposure Modes

The Alpha A7R supports all general exposure modes.

The Sony allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties

The Alpha A7R’s auto focus processor uses 25 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. when panning the camera).

Manual focus is also possible with the Sony, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

Type Contrast Detection
AF points 25
Manual focusing
Flash Specs

The Alpha A7R doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Sony’s hotshoe.

Built-in
Hot shoe
Display Specs

The Alpha A7R features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.92 megapixel. That’s about average.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The Alpha A7R does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Type LCD
Size 76.00mm (diagonal)
(3.0 in.)
Resolution 0.92 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs

Alpha A7R video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Sony Alpha A7R Video parameters:

Max. resolution 1920 x 1080 pixel
…with frame rates 24 frames/second
25 frames/second
30 frames/second
50 frames/second
60 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs

The Alpha A7R has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

Eventually, if the wifi connection is disabled the wired connection may be used.

Connect the Sony to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Sony connects to your PC over USB 2.0. Given the high resolution that the camera supports, USB 3.0 would have been a nice addition.

Connection parameters:

WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom
Memory

The camera will accept all common SD HC and SD XC cards. Sony MemorySticks can be used, too.

Memory cards characteristics:

Slots 1
Memory cards SD
SDHC
SDXC
Micro SD
Memory Stick Pro Duo
Memory Stick Micro
Battery

The Sony Alpha A7R has a NP-FW50 LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 340 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The Alpha A7R’s battery battery parameters:

Type NP-FW50 LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life 340 photos
Size

The Sony Alpha A7R’s size is 126.9 x 94.4 x 48.2mm³. (5.0″ x 3.7″ x 1.9″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.0″ x 3.7″ x 1.9″ grams (465 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the Alpha A7R:

Dimensions Comparison

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.

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